Down have been handed a significant incentive to hit the high spots in 2025 and skipper Pierce Laverty is fiercely determined that the team can come good.

In this year’s Ulster Championship, Armagh only managed to beat the Mourne men by a solitary point in a compelling Championship encounter at Newry and this was courtesy of last-gasp point from substitute Jason Duffy.

The manner in which they exited the Provincial Championship on a 0-13 to 2-6 score line understandably triggered deep frustration within the Down side but in the immediate aftermath of that game manager Conor Laverty expressed the hope that his side would create an impact later in the year.

They did just that by beating Laois in the Tailteann Cup Final and right now Down’s hunger for more success has been further revived.

This time round they are hoping to make an impact in both the Ulster and All-Ireland Championships although skipper Laverty is wary of the challenges that lie ahead.

“While we were very happy to get our hands on the Tailteann Cup last year we would be particularly keen to make an impact in the Ulster and All-Ireland competitions if possible,” points out Laverty.

“But first we must focus on Division Two of the Allianz League.

“There are some good teams in there and they certainly won’t be making life easy for us.”